:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67435653/usa_today_14944013.0.jpg)
We’ve got a big time narrative in the playoffs for Game 3 between the Miami Heat and the Boston Celtics. After a tough loss in Game 2, the Celtics had a bit of a scuffle in the locker room between Marcus Smart and Jaylen Brown. The two got into it after Smart started calling his teammates out and they needed to be separated. So we head into Saturday’s matchup at 8:30 p.m. ET with some food for thought. Will the fight rally the Celtics together or will it lead to a 3-0 hole? Let’s take a look at some fades and value options for the DraftKings Showdown contest.
Set your DraftKings lineup here.
Players to Fade
Jimmy Butler ($9,000)
I know, crazy to fade the best player on the court. The thing is Butler hasn’t been great in this series in terms of fantasy production. He hasn’t reached 40 DKFP in the first two games and I have a feeling the Celtics come out with more intensity on defense. If Smart is guarding Butler the majority of this game, I don’t really wanted anything to do with him at this price. He needs to get into the 40-point realm to return value. He didn’t shoot well in Game 2 and that was with the Heat storming back to win 106-101.
Gordon Hayward ($7,600)
I’m hesitant to fade anyone on the Celtics after the fight and the 2-0 hole. The only player I will tell you to get off of is Hayward if he returns to the lineup. Hayward has been out since the first round due to a bad ankle sprain. He may return with a questionable tag heading into Game 3. If he does return, I expect him to come off the bench and play around 15-20 minutes. If that’s the case, this price is way too high to play Hayward in fantasy.
Value Picks
Marcus Smart ($7,800)
I see some value in playing a pissed off Smart in this matchup. He’s the type of player who can get hot from outside and also has a ceiling in the triple-double range — something we’ve seen this playoff. Smart is an emotional player and should step up in this game after the altercation with Brown. He’s been OK enough in the first two games for me to feel good about his floor at this price as well.
Duncan Robinson ($5,400)
Robinson nailed 6 three-pointers in Game 2, shooting 6-of-12 from outside. His price has dropped significantly since the first round against the Indiana Pacers, which seems decades ago. Robinson is a streaky shooter, but the minutes are there and there’s a chance the Celtics come out with less defensive intensity and get rolled over by the Heat. I don’t think it’s likely but you never know.